Jamal Lewis swaps Newcastle United for Watford in loan switch
Jamal Lewis (left) will spend the season with Watford
Watford have confirmed the signing of Northern Ireland defender Jamal Lewis on a season-long loan from Newcastle United.
Lewis made his debut for Norwich City at the end of 2017 and played a key role in the Canaries’ 2018-19 promotion-winning side before moving to Tyneside in September 2020.
He made 26 appearances in his first season, but has found his first-team opportunities limited since then, making just two Premier League appearances in the last campaign.
The 25-year-old left-back, who has 30 senior caps for Northern Ireland, will hope to secure regular first-team action at Vicarage Road with the Championship side.
Newcastle signed the full-back for £15m from Norwich in 2020 under Steve Bruce, with the defender touted as an exciting future prospect at the age of 22.
Lewis was tracked by the likes of Liverpool at the time before Newcastle managed to land the star in a move that made him Northern Ireland’s most expensive player, a record matched recently by Shea Charles’ transfer to Southampton.
He has made 36 outings for the Magpies in all competitions, but must now adapt to his new surroundings in the Championship.
The club confirmed the deal on their website, adding: “Welcome to Watford, Jamal!”
Meanwhile Northern Ireland defender Michael Smith is training with Cheltenham Town after his exit from Hearts.
The 34-year-old departed the Jambos at the end of last season following six seasons at Tynecastle.
He came off the bench as a trialist in Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with his former club Bristol City.
Cheltenham boss Wade Elliott said: “Michael is local and he was looking for somewhere to come in and train and it fitted in with us.
“In fairness, for someone who hasn’t
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